Khera proposed grading criteria for "financial toxicity" associated with healthcare. The author is from the Mayo Clini in Phoenix, Arizona.
|
Parameter |
Specific |
Grade |
|
lifestyle modification |
|
1 |
|
use of charity grant or other fund to meet costs |
|
1 |
|
loss of employment |
temporary |
2 |
|
loss of employment |
permanent |
3 |
|
need to access financial accounts (savings, retirement, investments) |
|
2 |
|
use home to help cover costs |
mortgage or refinance |
3 |
|
use home to help cover costs |
sell |
4 |
|
debt |
exceed income |
3 |
|
debt |
declare bankruptcy |
4 |
|
unable to pay for necessities (food, utilities) |
|
4 |
|
need to stop therapy because of cost |
|
4 |
|
consider suicide because of burden of care |
|
4 |
where:
• Lifestyle modifications may include delay of a major purchase, reduced spending on vacation, cutting costs on leisture time activities, etc.
Limitations:
• A person who lives an extravagant lifestyle may encounter a higher grade of "toxicity" than someone who is more frugal and prepared.
